No Strings Attached novel Chapter 1

After a passionate rendezvous, Clara's skin shimmers with an understated glow. Ian held her close, his slender fingers tracing the contours of her delicate features. In the depths of his mesmerizing eyes, there was a tenderness that she had never seen before.

Clara was left utterly spent by their lovemaking, but at this moment, she felt deeply cherished.

However, before the afterglow of their desire could fade, Ian’s phone began to ring. Clara’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of the caller ID. She tightened her grip on Ian’s arm and looked up at him with pleading eyes, “Can you not answer it?”

The call was from Heidi, Ian’s long-time sweetheart. Since she'd returned stateside less than a month ago, there had been several cries for attention, masquerading as suicide attempts.

Clara knew all too well that Heidi’s antics were deliberate, but Ian didn’t seem to care about Clara's feelings. He pushed her away without a second thought. The warmth of their recent intimacy was completely gone as he eagerly answered the call.

Clara couldn't make out what was said on the phone. She only saw the waves of emotion churning in Ian's deep-set eyes, darker than the night outside.

After hanging up, he quickly dressed. “Heidi’s causing a scene again, threatening to hurt herself. I've got to go check on her.”

Clara sat up in bed, her skin now flushed and marked with the evidence of their love. Her gaze was intense as she watched him. “But today is my birthday. You promised to spend it with me, and I have something important to tell you.”

Ian was already buttoned up, his brows sharp and his gaze cold. “When did you become so unreasonable? Heidi could be in real danger.”

Before Clara could react, the bedroom door slammed shut. Soon after, the sound of a car engine roared to life outside.

Clara reached under her pillow and pulled out a small, exquisite box. Inside were two matching rings, which she stared at with misty eyes.

Three years ago, when a thug cornered her in an alley, it was Ian who came to her rescue, and he got injured in the process. She had volunteered to stay and care for him.

One night, after a bit too much wine, he slept with her. Ian had asked her then if she wanted to date him, but he made it clear he wasn’t offering marriage. Without hesitation, Clara had agreed, because Ian was the man she had secretly adored for four years.